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Stout Bookkeeping

Stout Bookkeeping

Reviews Summary

RaeAnn Stout receives consistently glowing reviews for her exceptional bookkeeping services. Clients praise her expertise, attention to detail, and warm, patient approach, especially valuable for small business owners and those new to financial management. She excels at organizing messy books, providing clear guidance, and offering personalized solutions, often described as a lifesaver. Her reliability, responsiveness, and professionalism stand out, with many highlighting how she simplifies complex processes and reduces stress. Multiple reviewers strongly recommend her services, noting her reasonable pricing and ability to deliver timely, accurate results while fostering client confidence.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
Sales Tax Compliance
Small Businesses
QuickBooks
Gusto
Remote Services

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
Sales Tax Compliance
Small Businesses
QuickBooks
Gusto
Remote Services

Contact Information

Address

1821 Ithaca Dr

Vista, California 92081

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-5PM
Tuesday 8AM-5PM
Wednesday 8AM-5PM
Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday 8AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

5 out 5!!! I recommend Stout Bookkeeping to everyone in my network. RaeAnn is amazing, kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. Their pricing is very reasonable. My advice.. book her while she has available and taking on new clients. My taxes were complete in record time this year because my books were in good order.

RaeAnn has been amazing to work with and has allowed us to take a HUGE sigh of relief knowing our bookkeeping and payroll is taken care of! She is very detail oriented and super easy to work with! RaeAnn is easy to get ahold of whenever you need her and always takes the time to explain items or answer your questions. If you are considering RaeAnn, do yourself a favor and reach out to her - you will not be disappointed!!

RaeAnn has done an incredible job with my books! My business's banking transactions were in complete disarray, but she organized everything meticulously and got us fully prepared for tax season. Her attention to detail is outstanding, and her kind, supportive approach made the entire process stress-free. Highly recommend RaeAnn?s services to anyone needing a reliable and detail-oriented bookkeeper!

I highly recommend RaeAnn. Her attention to detail, accuracy, and dedication to cleaning up our financial records have been invaluable to our business. RaeAnn goes above and beyond to ensure everything is up-to-date and provides insightful recommendations to improve our financial processes. A true professional!

Working with RaeAnn has been absolutely wonderful! As a new business owner, she has been tremendously helpful and vital in laying the proper foundation financially for the business. RaeAnn is professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable with Quickbooks and bookkeeping. She is detail oriented with her reports and always willing to answer any questions. Her guidance and thorough financial reports allow me to make informed decisions about my business growth. By working with RaeAnn, she has saved me fr

I finally found RaeAnn Stout, a bookkeeper I can Trust! RaeAnn was so helpful with her thorough knowledge and expertise when it came time to sit down and show me what details are important when reporting my expenses for my business. She not only instructed me on how to be more organized but also how to confidently report and coordinate with her every step of the way. She is very responsive and she encouraged me to ask questions so that I'm confident in the detailed records she can produce on my behalf. RaeA

Exceptional Experience with RaeAnn Stout's Bookkeeping!!! I recently started a new company, and the challenges of setting up the business have been significant. Thankfully, RaeAnn Stout at Stout Bookkeeping has been an absolute lifesaver in managing my bookkeeping needs. Despite my minimal knowledge and experience with bookkeeping, RaeAnn has been incredibly patient and accommodating. Her professionalism and dedication are evident in the way she takes the time to ensure I understand the crucial aspects of

Having had the pleasure of working closely with RaeAnn for over two years, I can attest to her exceptional qualities as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. RaeAnn's commitment to understanding the nuances of our business and her ability to provide valuable insights have been absolutely essential to our success. Whenever I faced challenges, RaeAnn was not just a bookkeeper but a trusted advisor, always ready to offer personalized solutions and guidance. Her deep understanding of our business operations, coupled with a

Thrilled to be working with RaeAnn on my bookkeeping. I am a one-person business owner with zero business background. So managing my financials has been a struggle! With RaeAnn's expertise and warm approach, I am confident that I will be able to keep excellent track of income and expenses to help my business continue to grow. Highly recommend!

I hired RaeAnn at Stout Bookkeeping in early January 2024 after a year of explosive growth in my small business. I had spent WEEKS trying to figure out some higher level bookkeeping and accounting tasks myself in QuickBooks, and quite honestly felt utterly confused and frustrated. RaeAnn truly came to my rescue and I am THRILLED with the clean up service we received from her for our 2023 books, as well as filing sales tax, 1099s and now monthly ongoing bookkeeping. RaeAnn is extremely reliable, profession

Raeann was such a blessing to work with. As someone who is new to independent contracting and financial planning, it all felt like a foreign language to me! Raeann simplified this entire process with ease. She was extremely kind, compassionate, understanding, and detail-oriented when we spoke on the phone. She helped me feel confident and in control of this new phase of my business journey and I can't thank her enough for that. 10000/10 would recommend her to anyone who needs advice or guidance in navigatin

I can't recommend and thank RaeAnn enough! She came through so quickly and efficiently when I was in desperate need of a clean up on my business books. She was able to work her magic and get it done with short notice and was so responsive and kind throughout the process. Now I don't want to do business without her and have hired her for monthly bookkeeping services. Best decision ever! Highly recommended!

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.